One of our favorite winemakers, Antica Terra’s irrepressible Maggie Harrison, received high compliments from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate today. Jay Miller, writing for the publication, rated Maggie’s 2007 Antica Terra Pinot noir 92 points, and her “Botanica” 07 93 points.

While the Botanica is long gone (35 cases made), we still have the sophisticated Antica Terra Pinot noir 07. Here’s what the Wine Advocate had to say: “The 2007 Pinot Noir is medium ruby-colored with an alluring perfume of cinnamon, allspice, incense, cherry, and raspberry. This leads to a medium-bodied, elegant wine with excellent depth and concentration, a silky texture, and incipient complexity. This lengthy effort will provide pleasure from 2011 to 2019. 92 points.”

“Maggie Harrison learned her craft at Sine Qua Non from 1998 to 2006. This tiny boutique operation has come out of the gate impressively and there is not much wine to go around…”

Miller mentions Maggie’s Antica Terra Rose 08, saying “I tasted a splendid 2008 Pinot Noir Rose at the winery which is certain to be gone by the time this goes to press..” – but it is still available from Avalon Wine.

After a decade at Sine Qua Non, Maggie began making her own wines. She makes a highly regarded Syrah, called “Lillian”, from California fruit, and moved to Oregon in 2005 to make Pinot noir as co-owner and winemaker at Antica Terra.

Antica Terra’s 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot noir (Wine Advocate 92 points) is a blend of 53% Antica Terra Estate fruit, 28% Shea Vineyard (Wadenswil and Dijon 828 clones), 9% Croft Vineyard, and 9% Cherry Grove Vineyard.

below, Maggie Harrison in the Antica Terra estate vineyard

The Shea Vineyard Wadenswil component of the 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot noir adds black fruit (blueberry, blackberry) to the wine, and the Shea Dijon 828 provides red fruit components.

Cherry Grove Vineyard fruit adds its character to the wine. Cherry Grove adds “pure cherry”, says Maggie. And whole cluster fermented Pommard fruit from Cherry Grove adds “spice cupboard, asian spice, star anise, and clove” to the blend.

Mouthwatering aromas stop you in your tracks – a concoction of berries, anise, clove, and barrel spice. Layers of bright cherry, raspberry, and a subtle undercurrent of fresh blackberry show depth and roundness. A playful combination of herbs, minerals, and barrel toast dances on the vibrant finish. Very appealing right now, the Antica Terra 07will improve with 1-2 years of cellaring and is best when decanted.

The Antica Terra Rose 08 is a rosé like no other. Maggie Harrison’s years at cult winery Sine Qua Non show in the magic of the 2008 Antica Terra. Start with the given – that she grew grapes especially for this wine, and that she made it to be her best possible rosé, “whatever it takes.” Add fermenting on the skins, aging in oak, and you get a dark, richly textured rosé with the complexity of a fine Pinot noir.

The delicious scent of fresh strawberries and cream have me drooling with anticipation. From the first taste, this rosé captures and demands attention. Fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit mingle with a hint of roses and cherries. The wine seems to expand in the mouth, emphasizing the texture – shot silk on the upper palate, and rich velvet with a swallow. In the long, uplifting, bright finish, there’s a hint of minerals and more sweet cream. Wow – a real one of a kind – unforgettable. – Avalon

below, Antica Terra’s estate vineyard